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The American Red Cross has issued a special appeal for blood donors of all types. We thank our staff and students for considering a donation to meet the needs of our patients during this critical time. Precautions will be used to protect our donors during the blood drive.

Safety Measures for Blood Drives

Blood donation is a safe process, and people should not hesitate to give and receive blood. At each blood drive, Red Cross employees follow thorough safety protocols. In addition to our standard procedures, you will notice the following at your local blood drive: Pre-Donation Donor Temperature Screening

• All donors will be asked to have their temperature taken before being permitted into the blood drive.
• If a donor has a temperature greater than 99.5°F they will be asked to come back to donate when they are healthy and will be asked to leave the drive.

Enhanced Disinfecting

• Hand sanitizer will be available at check-in, health history and refreshment areas.
• Blood donors will be asked to use hand sanitizer prior to using tablets and laptops.
• Donors beds will be sanitized between every donor 

Social Distancing

•  Implementation of separated drive set up to allow as much distance as possible between donors. 

Staff Wellness and Protection

•  All staff members will have a temperature check before presenting to work, and they've been asked not to come to work if they are feeling sick.
•  Staff will wear gloves throughout entire blood drive, changing gloves between every donor.

Increased Educational Materials

• Donor educational materials on COVID-19.
• Stop sign at entrances to avert ineligible donors from presenting.

Blood Supply Protection

• The Red Cross uses safety measures to protect the blood supply from all respiratory viruses including COVID-19. o In addition to the travel deferral, the health history screening also helps to protect the blood supply.
• Blood is only collected from individuals who are healthy and feeling well at the time of donation.
• Call back number, to connect with trained donor counselors, is provided if donor develops any symptoms of illness within the days following donation. Donations from such donors are immediately quarantined and not used.
• During this public health emergency, donation information may change in the days and weeks ahead, so please be sure to consult with your Red Cross representative or staff at your blood drive with any questions.

Supported by the Advocates for SUNY Upstate Medical University
Your donation at Upstate counts toward helping Upstate University Hospital patients!

About Upstate Blood Drives

When you donate at an Upstate blood drive your donation automatically counts toward Upstate's drive goal. The cost of blood units purchased for our patient care is reduced when we meet donation goals each year.

Your donation helps to maintain a good supply of blood for our patients.

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